Dancing on Ice Star Perri Shakes-Drayton's ice skating tips

Have you ever wanted to try ice skating but are not sure where to start, or you’re worried about falling over? Dancing on Ice star Perri Shakes-Drayton is on hand to give you some helpful hits to make you feel more confident on the ice.

ICE SKATING LESSONS

Learning to ice skate is a fun and unique way to keep fit and meet new friends. Our learn to skate courses are taught in groups of up to 16 people by highly qualified professional ice coaches, which are suitable for children as young as three, up to adults of any age.

Whatever level you're at, beginner to pro, we will aim to get your skills to the next level. Our programme will see you develop through levels 1 to 8 as set and nationally recognised by the National Ice Skating Association (NISA) – with steps to advanced dance and free skating bronze, silver and gold available.

You and your family can also track your weekly progress; see what you have been working on and how close you are getting to the next level throughout the course. And once you've passed a grade you will be awarded with a certificate to show your achievement.

PUBLIC ICE SKATING

Our public ice skating sessions are a great place to have fun with friends and family, while enjoying the health benefits of skating at the same time. Benefits include improved balance, flexibility, muscle tone and core strength.

The sessions are suitable for everyone, young or old, big or small and all skill levels, whether you are a superstar in training or a beginner just setting out. Skate hire is available for all sessions from child size 7 to an adult size 15. And for the smaller ones who may need extra support, we have fun penguin skating aids to help to build independence and confidence on the ice.

ICE DISCO

Our Ice Discos have a cool club vibe - the ideal hang out for young adults. With a mix of DJs playing a variety of music and disco illumination, they are coolest place to spend the evening with existing friends and making new ones.

For more details on session times check the website of your local Better ice rink – we currently have ice rinks in Streatham, London’s Islington and Swindon.

ICE SKATING BIRTHDAY PARTIES

If you’re looking for a unique and extra special way to spend your child’s birthday, why not book an ice skating birthday party at one of our ice rinks. We offer birthday packages that include:

A member of Better staff to help organise your party – leave the fuss to us

One hour on the ice (exclusive use of the rink is available at some centres)

Birthday meal

Use of a private party room or area for birthday meal

Optional extra of adding a skating lesson to the party at some centres

Parties are suitable for ages 5 and over (under 8’s must be accompanied on the ice) and we can accommodate up to 40 children.

Contact your local Better ice rink to find out more and book an ice skating birthday party, we currently have ice rinks in Streatham, London’s Islington and Swindon.

TRAINING ICE

For skaters undertaking private ice coaching, we offer dedicated time slots on the ice for lessons for those at level 5 or above on the National Ice Skating Association (NISA) skate guide.

If you are not quite at this level yet, but are interested in private lessons, our coaches are available to coach all ages and abilities on a 1-2-1 basis.

ICE HOCKEY

Ice hockey is an adrenaline fuelled sport, full of fast-paced action and an almost electric atmosphere, which is amplified when watching live from the stands – check out the fixtures list for up and coming games on your local Better ice rinks webpage to be part of the action. We currently have ice rinks in Streatham, London’s Islington and Swindon.